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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

THE Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) has come and gone, culminating in awarding the winners of its much-anticipated 2024 edition.

Among the celebrated cohort was Kadelwa Ndlovu, a Plumtree-based animator and digital artist.

Kadelwa Ndlovu

Ndlovu secured a commendable second place in the “Rising Talent” category for his animation piece “Lost in Space.” This marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwean representation at the predominantly South African festival. For his impressive achievement, Ndlovu received a certificate, a graphics tablet, and an animator guidebook valued at US$300.

Kadelwa Ndlovu

Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday, the CTIAF showcased the best in global animation. Presented by Animation SA, it is the largest dedicated animation festival on the continent, featuring a hybrid programme of talks, workshops, screenings, and networking opportunities designed to connect local animators with international leaders in the field.

Ndlovu, who hails from Dombodema village in Plumtree, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m grateful to have reached this far. Getting a second-place finish encourages me to do more. It’s synonymous with fuel for me; it burns my desire to keep taking our Zimbabwean artistry beyond our borders.”

His achievement was particularly noteworthy as he was the only non-South African contestant in the competition.

Despite his success, Ndlovu lamented the lack of support for animators in Zimbabwe.

“We can do more as a country to support animators. We need to lend financial help to ensure that animators get the right equipment and skills to compete at these prestigious events. We surely can do more,” he emphasised.

His winning piece, “Lost in Space”, tells the story of a Zimbabwean space astronomer who, grappling with depression, decides to venture into space. The narrative takes a turn when the astronaut’s oxygen cable breaks, leaving him lost in the vastness of space.

Ndlovu’s recognition at CTIAF serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring animators in Zimbabwe, showcasing the potential for local talent to thrive on international stages. As excitement builds for the future of animation in Africa, Ndlovu’s journey highlights the growing recognition of Zimbabwean artists, paving the way for more talent to emerge from the region. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu